Newburyport Blue: Where Historic Charm Meets Modern Living
Our Newburyport Blue project, recently featured in Northshore Home Magazine, beautifully reimagines an early 18th-century home for modern life. This 1730 Georgian residence, located in the heart of Newburyport, MA, now balances period authenticity with contemporary comfort—delivering a home that’s both timeless and tailored for entertaining.
At OLSON LEWIS + Architects, we believe that Beautiful Places honor history while supporting how people live today. Newburyport Blue embodies that philosophy.
Thoughtful Renovation: Celebrating the Past, Creating for the Present
The project centered on replacing an outdated addition with a new kitchen and mudroom designed to complement the original home. Now, the kitchen connects seamlessly to the historic dining room, fostering easy circulation during gatherings.
Design highlights include:
- Reclaimed pumpkin-pine floors preserving historical character
- Hale Navy paneling creating depth and warmth
- A bold red mudroom, adding contemporary personality
- A modernized bathroom, balancing sleek design with historically appropriate details
- Easy access to an outdoor patio, expanding living space for entertaining
As architect Juli MacDonald, AIA, explains:
“It’s important that the massing of the exterior feels compatible with the historic home while allowing the new spaces to shine.”
Every material and detail was carefully considered to maintain the integrity of the original structure, while providing the owners with spaces that serve their 21st-century lifestyle.
Crafting a Beautiful Place
By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design solutions, OL+ created a home that respects its Georgian roots yet feels open, bright, and ready for contemporary family life.
We are grateful to our project partners:
- Builder: Steven MacDonald, The Riverview Company
- Photography: Kelly McCaskill, Ridgelight Studio
